Play Xbox Live games on your Windows Phone

Note As of 15 November 2015, the Zune service has been discontinued. This may cause errors when attempting to stream or download content or update the service.

Overview

The Windows Phone Store has many Xbox Live games that you can download and play on your phone. Tap Marketplace on your phone (on Windows Phone 8, tap Store), or use the Zune software on your computer to find and install games.

View your gamer profile

You can view your Xbox Live profile, achievements, friends and messages, and you can edit your avatar on your Windows Phone. Here’s how:

On your Windows Phone, tap Games.

Flick left until you see your avatar, and then tap your gamertag.

Flick left to see your achievements, friends and messages.

Invite friends to play a turn-based game

In turn-based games, players take turns playing the game. During gameplay, you are notified when it’s your turn. If an Xbox Live game is turn-based, you can invite other players to play on their Windows Phones or on the web.

To invite friends

On your Windows Phone, tap Games.

Tap the game you want to play.

If the game supports turn-based gaming, tap the option for multiplayer.

Follow the steps to invite friends from your contact list or enter an email address.

An email invitation is sent to your friends. The email invitation includes directions on how to join your game over the phone or on the web.

Why is the avatar on my phone different from the one I see on my console?

There are two possible explanations.

If your avatar doesn’t match the one you use on Xbox Live, make sure that you are signed in on your Windows Phone using the Microsoft account that is associated with your Xbox Live gamertag. Learn how to change the Microsoft account associated with your gamertag.

If avatar items are missing or your avatar is wearing a blue shirt, there are licensing restrictions on your purchased avatar content. The blue shirt is shown in place of blocked content.

Why don't I see my new achievements?

You can earn achievements playing games on your Windows Phone just like you can on your console. If your achievements are not being displayed, there might be a problem with your mobile or Wi-Fi connection, or the Xbox Live service might be down temporarily. Your Windows Phone will keep trying to record your achievements until it succeeds.

Why do I get an “Attention required. Tap here” message when I try to download a game?

This can happen when you try to download a large game – typically 20 megabytes or larger – to your phone using your mobile connection. To download the item, try using a Wi-Fi connection. Learn how to download using a Wi-Fi connection.

Can I change my gamertag?

I am having problems with a game that I downloaded.

If you are having problems playing Xbox Live games with your friends on your phone, check the status of the Xbox Live service. If the Xbox Live service is available, make sure you have a strong connection on your mobile or Wi-Fi network.

If you are having problems playing a game, try doing the following:

Remove and reinstall the game.

Restart your phone.

If you are still having problems with a game, contact the game provider.

How can I view or change my Family Settings?

You cannot view or change Xbox Live Family Settings from your Windows Phone. Learn how to change Family Settings from your console.